Who else but EverWonder could organize a seven day worldwide excursion and bypass airport security via a time machine?
Oh, if traveling were only this easy!
Day 1 Archaeologists Time Machines
We began our travels with logistics. In order to travel back in time we needed to explain the job of an archaeologist and the purpose of our time machine. Archaeologists look for artifacts, which are the things that cultures used in their villages or towns and so forth during their existence. Archaeologist do not look for fossils, which are the remains of living things.
Since these are EverWonder campers they accepted their travel assignment with delight and began the task of creating a time machine with all of the bells and whistles, thank you very much! (Big Smile!) Not only did campers create a top of the line time machine, they realized that they would need a water canteens as well as hats to shield them from the weather. Whew!! That all happened on day one.
Day 2 Mesopotamia
Campers learned about the first form of writing known as Cuneiform. We provided campers with an alphabet of symbols and encouraged them to draw their names in clay using Cuneiform writing characters.
Traveling in the time machine they discovered that children in this era played with boomerangs. Since televisions, movies, and the internet were not available, looking at the sky and identifying the different constellations was their entertainment. Campers were able to craft their own boomerangs and draw constellations. Finally campers learned that clay in it’s most elementary form was used as the dishes, so they created a clay pots that mirrored the dishes discovered while traveling.
Day 3 Ancient Egypt
We discussed the things found in Ancient Egypt. Campers identified the location of Egypt on a world map. Then we were on our way. Once we arrived in Ancient Egypt we saw pyramids, mummies, collar necklaces, discovered the Ancient Egyptians form of writing called hieroglyphics, viewed art work on Sarcophagus’ and different death masks.
We began with the pyramids and campers used mini marshmallows and toothpicks to create their pyramid artistic interpretation. Then we used toilet tissue to create mummies. Several of the campers enjoyed using the EverWonder staff as their models (smile). 
Their artistic flair was further seen in their collar necklaces, Sarcophagus and death mask colorings. Finally, they used their memory to create LEGO® pyramids.
Day 4 Ancient Greece
We discussed the Ancient Greece’s love of storytelling with Greek theater mask and the Parthenon. Campers identified the location of Greece on a world map, entered the location in the time machine and we were on our way.
Lucky for us, we arrived at the Parthenon and overheard the story of Icarus. The campers loved visiting the Parthenon. They enjoyed the stories of Icarus, Medusa and the Hoplite Shields. The shields were used by Greek soldiers, who were also know as Hoplites. Their shields were often made of wood. Then the soldiers would paint the shields, which provided a personal touch.
By the time we returned to camp, creative juices were flowing. First, campers created their personal Parthenon out of graham crackers, icing, marshmallows and other edible materials since sweets were plentiful during our time travels. 
Campers created Greek theater masks, Medusa headbands using colorful pipe cleaners, personal Hoplite shields and some campers even created their own family crest while others drew pictures.
Day 5 Ancient Rome
We discussed Roman Numerals, gladiators and mosaics before campers identified the location of Rome on a world map, Once we entered the location in the time machine, we were on our way.
Unfortunately, we miscalculated our 1st landing and ended up in the middle of the Roman Colosseum. However, our older campers quickly made adjustments just before the lions were released, PHEW!!!
Our next calculation placed us in the marketplace. We were able to see the types of coins used called Aureus, Roman Gladiators as well as some mosaics.
Upon our return we created our own coins with clay. One side had numbers and the other side had a Roman Numerals. Campers used their memory to create the Roman Gladiators wardrobe. Finally they use colorful tiles to create their own mosaics.
Day 6 Ancient India
We discussed many of the cultural aspects India has given to the world, such as spices and board games. Campers identified the location of India on a world map, entered the location in the time machine and we were on our way. 
We learned from our navigational mistakes when going to Rome and double checked our calculations. Our landing was correct; we arrived in an Ancient Indian bazaar! The campers were able to identify such spices as cinnamon. They played Chess, Parcheesi, as well as Chutes and Ladders.
While at the bazaar the campers also saw Henna body art. They learned that Henna is a plant. The leaves are the plant are grinned into a powder and then a paste with natural ingredients, which is then applied to the hands or feet. Then we checked out Mandalas.
Once we returned to camp, our young artist were eager to experiment with many of the things we witnessed. We made cinnamon cake. While the cake was in the oven we passed the time playing Chess, Parcheesi (for many campers and staff this game reminded us of the Sorry or Trouble games we play today), doing Henna art on hands or arms and doing some Mandala sand art. It was a great day! (And the cake was delicious…)
Day 7 The Vikings
We discussed that Vikings were a tribe of people in Northern Europe, which we now know as the modern countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Campers learned that Vikings were great shipbuilders who made small as well as large fishing boats. The long narrow shape of Viking ships was their personal stamp that was used for every ship made. The Vikings were also known for their hats.
Needless to say that by day 7the campers were old pros at calculating our navigational destinations. Campers identified the locations of Sweden, Norway and Denmark on a world map, entered a general location in the time machine and we were on our way.
We arrived on a dock and saw many of the ships we talked about. Additionally, several of the campers marveled at the Viking hats. Since this was a shorter day, we left early and zapped back to Arlington just in time for lunch. PIZZA AND ICE CREAM…YEAH!!!
After lunch campers made Viking ships and hats. Since it was also New Years Eve, campers made some party hats.
WOW, our seven day adventure was educational, entertaining and yummy! It was a blast and we were happy when several parents asked about our daily destinations.
Join EverWonder on Monday, January 18th for iLoveScience-Ooey Gooey at the Lyon Village Community House.
